Morocco’s unemployment rate fell to 10.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026, down from 13 percent recorded over the full year 2025, according to new official data released Friday under a revised labour measurement system.
The figures, published through the country’s updated labour force survey known as EMO2026, suggest a modest improvement in overall employment conditions, although authorities acknowledged that deep structural inequalities persist in the North African labour market.
The national statistical revision brings Morocco’s employment data in line with updated standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which refine how joblessness and labour participation are measured.
Under the new methodology, “strict unemployment” is defined more narrowly, counting only individuals without work who are actively seeking employment and immediately available to work.
Despite the overall decline in unemployment, the data highlight continued pressure on young people entering the workforce.
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The unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 24 stood at 29.2 percent in the first quarter, making youth the most affected demographic group in the labour market.
Economists say the figures reflect persistent challenges in job creation for graduates and young jobseekers, particularly in sectors that require technical skills or prior experience.
“The labour market continues to struggle to absorb new entrants, especially young people,” said a Casablanca-based labour economist familiar with the data. “Even when overall unemployment falls, youth unemployment remains structurally high.”
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Women also continue to face significant barriers to employment in Morocco.
According to the survey, the female labour force participation rate stood at just 17.5 percent, compared with 66.4 percent for men. This gap underscores longstanding gender disparities in access to employment opportunities and participation in economic activity.
A large share of women remains outside the labour force entirely, reflecting a combination of social, educational and economic constraints, analysts say.
The EMO2026 survey is part of a broader statistical reform aimed at improving the accuracy and comparability of Morocco’s labour market data. Officials say the updated system provides a clearer picture of employment dynamics and aligns national statistics with international best practices.
The revision also comes amid government efforts to address unemployment through a multi-year strategy known as the 2025 employment roadmap.
The plan seeks to reduce unemployment to 9 percent by 2030 and aims to create around 1.45 million jobs over the coming years. It also includes measures to modernize vocational training, improve labour market integration for young people and expand opportunities for women.
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Authorities have emphasized the need to boost private sector-led job creation, particularly in manufacturing, services and emerging industries such as renewable energy and digital technologies.
However, implementation challenges remain, particularly in matching workforce skills with market demand.
Morocco’s economy has shown resilience in recent years, supported by agriculture recovery, infrastructure investment and growth in tourism. But job creation has not always kept pace with the expanding working-age population.
Urban unemployment remains a concern in major cities, while rural areas continue to face underemployment and seasonal job insecurity, particularly in agriculture-dependent regions.
The government has also sought to encourage entrepreneurship and small business development as part of its employment strategy, alongside incentives for foreign investment.
International observers say Morocco’s labour market reforms are a step toward greater statistical transparency, but warn that sustained policy efforts will be needed to translate macroeconomic stability into inclusive job growth.
For now, the latest figures present a mixed picture: a declining headline unemployment rate, but continued vulnerability for young people and women, who remain at the margins of formal employment.
As Morocco moves toward its 2030 employment targets, analysts say progress will depend on whether structural reforms can effectively address long-standing imbalances in the labour market.
